Accra: The Minerals Commission has handed over 175 acres of reclaimed illegal mining (galamsey) sites to three communities within the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region. The degraded lands were restored under the Lands Reclamation and Restoration Programme implemented by the Minerals Commission at Sefwi Nambro, Nkatiso, and Surano 'B' communities.
According to Ghana News Agency, the government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission, undertook the reclamation exercise to restore degraded galamsey sites with the vision of improving the socio-economic life of the people in the affected communities. A handing over ceremony, held at Ogyeahohoo's Palace in Sefwi Anhwiaso, brought together key stakeholders, including traditional leaders from the affected communities and other government officials, to mark the successful reclamation of the lands.
Mr Stephen Abgo, Deputy Manager and Community Relations of the Minerals Commission, expressed appreciation to the chiefs and people of the beneficiary communities for their support and collaboration during the project, which resulted in its successful completion and handover. He emphasized that while mining is crucial for Ghana's economic growth, it also comes with the responsibility to protect and restore lands.
Mr Abgo noted that the reclamation presented an opportunity to transform disturbed landscapes into thriving ecosystems, benefiting communities for generations. He highlighted that the successful reclamation involved careful planning, innovative techniques, and collaboration with environmental experts and local communities. He urged the chiefs to protect the reclaimed lands to justify the government's investment.
Mr Thomas Tsibo-Darko, Consultant for the project, stated that reclaiming lands destroyed by unsafe mining was a commitment to ecological recovery and sustainable development. He expressed gratitude to the stakeholders, particularly the chiefs, for their pivotal roles in the project's success.
Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II, the Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, praised the government and Minerals Commission for their collaborative efforts in this important exercise, stating that its impact on the communities was significant. He stressed that illegal mining is a national issue that requires collaborative efforts to address. As President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahohoo Gyebi II warned chiefs against illegal mining activities and pledged the communities' commitment to protect the reclaimed lands for sustainable development.
